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KISTOJilCJlL DISOOXieSE
i^K'UVERED IV
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$•.,
St
WARREN, R;1,
1
Sundai^ Evening^ November 10, 1^78^. '
BBING THHJ FIFTIETRf ANNlVBMiSi.VaY OF THE ORGAXf^ATfOiJ
OF THE PAKISH.
.^'/ " ': " BY THE ■ '" ■ . ' • .
Rev. W. N.:ACKLKY, Rector.
Ptibiisked by Requ&it.
^
PROVIDENCEt
PUOVIDKNCK PRKSS COMHAXY, PRINTBIW.
: 18 79.
^
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S -' /
■, *
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HISTORTCAL DISCOURSE
DELIVERED IN
ST. MARK'S CHURCH,
WARREN, R. I,
Sunday Evening, November 10, 1878,
BEING THE FIFTIETH ANNIVEKSA.RY OF THE ORGANIZATION
OF THE PARISH.
BY THE
Rev. W. N. ACKLEY, Rector.
Ptiblished by Request.
^
PROVIDENCE:
PROVIDENCE PRESS COMPANY, PRINTERS.
1879.
»
^ » H^^J. » O, 1-
HAnVARD COLLEQt LiMAIIY
FBOM
THE BEQUEST OF
EVERT JAN8EN WtNBlkk
ORDER OF SERVICE.
Hymn 281 :
Tune, Mear.
Sentences, General Confession, Absolution, Lord's Praj^er, Versicles.
Proper Psalms :
84 and 122.
Lesson :
Epheslans iv., 1-16.
Creed, Collect for the day. Prayer for the Church Militant, Prayer of
St. Chrysostom.
Hymn 409 :
Tune, Denmark.
SERMON.
Hymn 424:
Tune, Coronation.
Address by the Rev. George L. Locke, Rector of St. Michael's Church, Bristol.
Hymn 277 :
Tune, Old Hundred.
Collects and Benediction.
SERMON.
^
CoLOSSiANS II., 19: "FromwMch all the body by joints and bands having
nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God."
I. Corinthians hi., 8: "Now he that planteth and he that watereth are
one."
The Story of fifty years measured against the history of the
great world seems brief anid insignificant enough, if we view it
from the distant standpoint of the indififeriant student of the past.
Events which give a distinctive character to only a single locality
or mark the career of any one generation, may be lost from view
amid that tangled web of lact and fancy which we call the history
of the past. The eye that looks out ov<?r the great ocean, noting
only the grandeur of its vaatuess, sees not the friendly wave over
which the proud btirque bears securely its freight of precious lives
to gladden the hearts in many a home. The genial tide that laves
and cools the shores of some quiet bay, is lost to the mind strug-
gling after conceptions of only immensity and depth. Our hearts
beat begome touched with the facts of history when we draw near
to the scene of action, and seek to feel the very throbs of the life we
are studying. Those events, in which we or those near and dear
to us have had "a great part " will always enkindle the liveliest
interest. The^beart lingers fondly over the story of those we love.
There is no more hallowed spot on earth than the family home
where loving kindred mingle in mutual offices of tenderness, or
hold counsel about the fireside over each one's momentous destiny ^
infusing heart and energy into the otherwise dull routine of life.
And next to the tie of kindred there is no closer bond than that
which links together the Master's children into a common brother-
hood, whose centre of sacred association is the home of the par-
ish church. As w^e gather here from day to day to honor our
Lord with a united worship, we miss from our ranks those other
forms, once bowed within these courts in attitude of reverence,
now removed forever from our sight and silent in the hush of
death. They have gone from us but they have not, we trust,
ceased to be a power. Beloved still in the closer circles where
they moved, they are no less honored, we must hope, for their
works' sake in the Church of God. We need just such days of
commemoration as this to bring into more vivid reality the char-
acters of those who have gone before and help us to a keener
perception of the work they achieved. These days of joyful
remembrance ar^ finger-posts along the road, not merely showing
the way already passed, but much more pointing to the labors
still left for us to perform.
Fifty years ago to-night, not far from the present hour, a little
band of citizens met in Warren and organized St. Mark's Parish.
Your minds are urging me, I am sure, to linger no longer over
IDreliminary words, but rather to hasten on to our parish story of
the last half century. And I would desire in the outset, to give
expression to my appreciation of the important aid rendt^red me
by a committee of the Vestry, who, at the cost of no little labor,
have collated from the records of the corporation such items as
they have thought of special interest and importance. Very
many of these facts speak for themselves and need.no comment,
and if they seem to be presented in a rather statistical form, it
will be owing to the necessity for brevity at every point where so
much materia] must claim a place. You will doubtless pardon
nie, if this discourse shall transgress somewhat the generally pre-
scribed limits of a sermon, seeing that for a long time in the
future you will be granted immunity from a similar infliction.
Many of the items brought into this record may seem in them-
selves unimportant to the outside world ; but I can fancy that
many Christian souls now far away would listen to them with
untiring interest, as exhibiting the life of their fathers in the
Church ; just as the apparently trivial events in any family life
are more precious to the members of the loving household than
the most thrilling story in the world's great history. In this nar-
rative the events will follow each other as rapidly as possible and
be presented in their chronological order.
The Rev. George W. Hathaway, first Rector of this parish,
informs us in his private records, that, "at several different times
the project of building an Episcopal Church in Warren had been
thought of but deferred." " In the year 1812," says the Rev. John
Bristed, "the Rev. Mr. Henshaw* (afterwards Bishop of this
Diocese) preached several times at Warren with great acceptance,
and was requested by its inhabitants to settle among them and
build up a church ; but Bishop Griswold thought the attempt pre-
mature, and nothing was done." I am informed that Mr. Hen-
shaw held a number of his services in the Methodist Church.
The re«ison why the project was abandoned was probably because
" the business of the place had received a severe shock by the
long embargo that had kept their vessels rotting at the wharves,"
* The Rev. Mr. Henshaw must have officiated at this time as lay ceader, as he was not ordained
Deacon until June 13, 1813, when he was «*precisely " twenty-one years old. He studied in Bristol
with Bishop Griswold, and is reported to hare hadi^ singular success as lay reader in many places.
and because of the war with England which led the citizens ^io
apprehend still more awful calamities." In 1824 the Rev. Mr.
Briatqd had an interview '* with some of the /principal inhabitants
of Warren, and proposed to them to have the service of the
church performed there, to which they assented," But he was
called to Vermont and no farther steps were taken at that time.
*'In the year 1828," says Mr. Bristed, "Bishop Griswold
asked me if I was willing to undertake the erection of a church
in Warren, to which I replied in the aflSrmative, provided he
would preach the first sermon, which he did." The Rev. Mr.
Bristed was at this time assistant minister of St. Michael's Church,
Bristol, of which parish he afterwards became Rector. His letter
of acceptance of the rectorship of that parish reveals the interest-
ing fact that he was strongly moved to accept the position of
assistant minister in Bristol by the opportunity thus afforded of
beginning the work in Warren, so deeply was he impressed with
the importance of the field.
November 4th, in the same year, a preliminary meeting of
gentlemen was held at the house of Mr. Freeborn Sisson, looking
to the organization of a parish. They adjourned to meet at the
same place Jfovenibor lOtb, at 6 o'clock, p. m. This house is still
standing on the west side of Main street, two doors north of
Washington, and on the corner of Main and Jefierson streets.
The meetings were probably held in the south front room. On
the 10th, the meeting was held, pursuant to adjournment, and
the Rev. Mr. Bristed wa^ present and . read, the following com-
munication :
Bristol, November 3d, 1828.
If the people of Warren will exert themselves to raise funds towards de-
fraying the expenses of erecting a Protestant Episcopal Church in their town ;
the undersigned will, if his life be preserved, early in the ensuing spring under-
ftalte to solicit subscriptions for the above purpose among his friends in the cities
of New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore ; he will proceed under the Written re-
commendation and sanction of the Rt. Bev. Bishop Griswold, and if his success
equal his efforts two years since, when begging for the Rev. B. B. Smith's church
in Middlebury, Vermont, he will be able to raise a thousand dollars for the peo*
pie of Warren towards the building of a new church. The undersigned is also
willing, under the auspices and approbation of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Griswold,
to minister to the people of Warren, until they can suit themselves in settling
a clergyman as their pastor.
i^Signed,) John Bristed.
The following communication from* the Rt. Rev. Alexander V*
Griswold, D. D., Bishop of the Eastern Diocese, was aliso read :
Bristol, R. I., November Sd, A. D. 1828.
I, the undersigned, do hereby declare my very cordial approbation of the
plan and efforts as above proposed, to build an Episcopal Church in the town
of Warren, being fUUy convinced that if successfiil it will be of great benefit to
the people there, and to the Church and to religion generally. Without aid
A*om the pious and liberal in oth^r plaices it will not be reasonably in their power
to erect such a house as will probably be ueedfal to accommodate those who
will attend worship in it. They who shall generously contribute something to
aid them may be assured that it will be a charity well bestowed and which we
believe God will bless.
(Signed,) Albxandbb V. Griswold,
Bishop of the Eastern Diocese.
After full deliberation it wa6 uuanimoiislj^ vcxted to organize a
parish and build a church edifice. The following amraed gentle-
men were elected officera :
Wardens :
George Pearse, George Monroe.
Vestrymen :
Freeborn Sisson, Seth Peck,
William Carr, John Pearse,
William Collins, Amasa Humphrey,.
John Stockford, Charles Wheaton,.
Nathaniel Phillips^ John R. Wheaton,.
William Turner.
Secretary: Charles Wheaton. Treasurer: William Carr.
William Collins, Setb Peck and William Carr were appointed
a committee to solicit subscriptions.
Not one of the above named gentlemen survives.
At the same meeting authority was given for the purchase of
the lot on which the church was to be erected, being the lot on
which the church now stands. This lot, with the building upon
it, was owned in shares by a corporation, who held the property
for school purposes. The parish effected the purchase by buying
up the shares from the several stockholders.
A Parish Charter was granted by the General Assembly, Jan-
uary 17th, 1829. Mr. Ephraim W. Burr, of San Francisco, is
the only corporator mentioned in the charter, now living.
Kegular services were first held in Cole's Hall, in what is still
called Cole's Hotel, on Main street, the Kcv. Mr. Bristed ofGciat-
ing once a week for eighteen months.
On the 12th of January, 1829, it was voted, "that the Church
be called St. Mark's Church."
The Rev. Mr. Bristed succeeded in collecting in various towns
and cities the sum of $830.00 towards building the church and
also secured "a quarto Prayer Book for the Desk and other
Prayer Books for distribution." Mr. Bristed exhibited not a little
shrewdness in his methods of obtaining funds, sometimes indulg-
ing in what has been deftly termed " holy guile." In New York
he presented his appeal to a former law partner, who was a Jew.
For the sake of old acquaintance the Jew gave him $5.00. He
then begged him to place his name on the subscription list.
"There," says Mr. Bristed, " now I will use that name to ply the
Christians with 1 "
March 9th, 1829, a letter was submitted from Mr. Russell
Warren, architect, of Providence, with plan of the proposed
church, which plan was adopted. The dimensions of the church
were to be sixty-two by forty-^two feet, with sixty pews on the
lower floor, a gallery in the east end, and a portico in front, with
entablature supported by four Doric pillars.
The records of November 14, 1829, contain copies of the let-
ter of the Rt. Rev. A. V. Gri'swold, D. D., on the occasion of
his change of residence from Bristol to Salem, Mass., and of his
reply.
Of the twelve Vestrymen elected at the Easter meeting held
April 12, 1830, the only one now surviving is Mr. George
Wheaton. On April 17th of this year, the Rev. George W.
Hathaway was invited to the Rectorship for one year, which invi-
tation was accepted. The salary was fixed at $400.00, of which
the parish was to raise $200.00 and the Rev. Mr. Bristed $200.00.
The first Baptisms after the organization of the parish were
those of Mrs. Shubael Kennicutt and Miss Martha Brown. These
Baptisms took place in Cole's Hall, on Sunday, July 11, 1830,
during evening service. Only a few weeks since we were called
upon to convey Miss Bro\^ n to her last resting place on earth,
after a long life of patient, devoted, unostentatious Christian liv-
ing. Though for many years deprived of the privilege of attend-
ing upon the services of the church, she never failed to take the
keenest interest in everything appertaining to the well-being of
the parish, and her faithful Christian course was quite in keeping
with the singular privilege of having her period of discipleship
coincident with almost the whole first half century of our parish
life. Mrs. Kennicutt (nee Lydia Gardner Brown) was descended
from John Brown, of Barrington, of whom the records say : "He
was a rigid Episcopalian, and bequeathed a large portion of his
property to his sou Jeremiah on account of his attachment to the
10
church." Mr. Shubael Kennicutt was grandson of Mr. John
Kennicutt, of Swansea, who represented the sturdy type of char-
acter so commoli in the olden time, and who is said to have been
a " firm Episcopalian." The records speak of him and his family
as follows : " His usual practice was to catechise his children
every Sunday morning and then prepare for church. They
attended St. Michaers, Bristol, distant six miles. His daughters
rode on horseback and the sons walked on foot."
The only communicant of the Church in Warren at the time
St. Mark's Parish was organized, was Mr. George Monroe, who
had been baptized and confirmed in St. Michael's, Bristol, and
was still a communicant of that parish. He was elected Junior
Warden, and through his whole life was a most exemplary Chris-
tian and valued helper in the parish. Mr. George Pearse and
wife, of Swansea, were also communicants of St. Michael's, Bris-
tol. He most cordially cast in his lot with St. Mark's Church,
and became the first Senior Warden.
On Thursday, July 15th, 1830, the church was consecrated to
the Avorship of Almighty God by Bishop Griswold. Besides the
Rector, the following clergymen were present :
The Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, Rector of St. Paul's Church,
Philadelphia.
The Rev. Nathan B. Crocker, D. D., Rector of St. John's
Church, Providence.
The Rev. Samuel B. Shaw, D. D., Rector of Christ Church,
Guilford, Vt.
The Rev. Salmon Wheaton, D. D., Rector of Trinity Church,
Newport.
The Rev. John Bristed, D. D., Rector of St. Michael's Church,
Bristol.
The Rev. John West, D. D., Rector of St. Thomas' Church,
Taunton.
11
The Rev. Charles H. Alden, of Bristol.
The Rev. Richard Peck, of Connecticut.
The Rev. Benjamin B. Smith, D. D., Rector of Grace Church,
Philadelphia.
This last named clergyman is now the venerable presiding
Bishop of the American Church.
The Rev. Mr. Tyng read the Murnuig Service, and the Rev.
Dr. Crocker the Sentence of Consecration. The Sermon was
preached by Bishop Griswold, from II. Samuel xxiv., 24 : "And
the king said unto Araunah, Nay ; but I will surely buy it of
thee at a price : neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord
my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought
the threshing-floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."
In the afternoon the Rev. Mr. Hathaway was admitted to the
Holy Order of Priests, and the Rev. Silas A. Crane to the Holy
Order of Deacons. The Evening Service was read by the Rev.
Dr. Crocker, and the sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. West,
of Taunton. Confirmation was administered for the first time in
the church. The following persons were the candidates : Mrs.
Alice M. P. Hathaway, wife of the Rector, Mrs. Shubael (Lydia
Gardner) Kennicutt, Miss Martha Brown, Miss Eliza D. Nimmo.
The Holy Communion was also administered, about eighty
persons partaking thereof. The music was rendered very accep-
tably by the choir of St. Thomas' Church, Taunton.
On the 17th of July the pews were offered at auction, and
thirty -eight of the whole number {fifty-eight) were sold, very gener-
ally at a premium over the appraisal of from five cents to $12.50.
An organ was purchased soon after at a cost of about $650.00.
The total estimated cost of the church was about $4,100.00.
During the summer a Sunday-school was organized under the
superintendence of Mr. Seth Peck. About fifty scholars were
gathered.
12
The first marriage iu the parish was solemnized by the Rector
on November 25, the parties being Mr. Hiram W. Barney, of
North Providence, and Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Warren.
The first funeral service in the parish was performed by the
Rector, January 14, 1831, over John Bristed Pearse, infant son
of Mr. John Pearse, Senior Warden.
April 16th, the Rev. Mr. Hathaway received and accepted an
invitation to continue as Rector another year. The Convention
Report for this year shows twelve communicants.
The first marriage in the church was solemnized Sept. 20th by
the Rector, the parties being Mr. Ephraim W. Burr and Miss
Abby M. Child. Mr. Burr, as stated above, is the only surviv-
ing member of the corporation as originally chartered by the
Legislature.
On November 19th, a bell was purchased, weighing .'ibout 1000
pounds.
Gov. Collins having presented to the corporation a pew in each
of the Baptist and Methodist churches and St. Michael's Church,
Bristol, they were at this time ordered to be sold.
April 5th, 1832, the Rev. Mr. Hathaway was chosen Rector
for another year. The By-Laws of the Corporation were adopted
on the 7th of May following, and at the same meeting a resolu-
tion of thanks to the ladies was passed for their gift of two tablets
containing the Ten Commandments. These tablets, which were
at first placed in the church, are now in the chapel. In Septem-
ber of this year a committee was appointed to build a fence, the
cost of which was about $328.00 Twenty communicants and a
Sunday School of eighty-nine (teachers and scholars) are reported
this year.
April 18th, 1833, twelve persons were confirmed by Bishop
Griswold. In the autumn of this year a bell w«3ighing 1519
13
pounds was placed in the tower to repLice the old one which had
broken. '' During the autumn and winter of 1833 and 1834, the
evening services were held in the chamber over Sylvester Child's
jewelry shop fitted for the purpose." This building at that time
stood on Main street, one door north of Cole's Hotel, but was
afterwards removed to another part of the town.
In February, 1834, a committee was appointed to finish a
room in the basement of the church, which was done at a cost of
about $300.00. March 4th, twenty persons were confirmed by
Bishop Griswold. On the 8th of April, it was voted to enlarge
the church by the addition of twenty-four pews at the west end.
A projection of ten feet was added for a vestry room in place of
the old smaller one. A new pulpit was also made, *' with read-
ing desk in front, they being both in one in the former arrange-
ment." The communion table stood in front of the desk and all
were within the chancel rail. The pulpit was placed against the
west wall of the church, where is now the chancel arch. "The
gallery was also lowered and much enlarged by being brought
forward."
On the 11th of June thirty-one persons were confirmed by
Bishop Griswold.
The new pews were offered at auction September 22, when
almost all of them were disposed of at nearly double the prices
secured at the first sale of pews. The total cost of the addition
and alterations was about $2,400.00. A new set of lamps was
procured at a cost of about $200.00.
In September, nine persons were confirmed by Bishop Gris-
wold.
The records thus show the very remarkable number of sixty
confirmations for the year just past, by far the largest number
ever confirmed in one year in this parish. The Eector, in his
14
private records, speaks of the deep religious interest manifest in
the parish at this time. This year he reports to the Convention
seventy-eight communicants.
In the spring of 1835, Bishop Griswold confirmed a class of
twenty-thiee persons.
April 20th, the Eev. Mr. Hathaway was invited to continue
Eector at a salary of $600.00.
The Convention Report of this year gives the number of com-
municants at one hundred and twelve, and one hundred and fifty-
seven (teachers and scholars) in the Sunday School.
In its early days this parish evinced a most laudable disposition
to make ample provision for the temporal necessities of its spirit-
ual guide and head ; for we read in the records, that on April 4th,
1836, they voted to invite the Rev. Mr. Hathaway to continue as
Rector at a salary of $600.00, and that $50.00 be added "if
necessary."
His successors have found, I am sure, that the spirit of that
hour has descended to those who have joined in the deliberations
of the parish since that time. For the first four years Mr. Hath-
away was annually re-elected Rector ; then the invitation was
extended three years. After that he was invited to continue on
indefinitely.
April 21st, Bishop Griswold confirmed a class of sixteen per-
H90X1S.
In November, a new organ, built by E. and G. G. Hook of
Boston, costing about $1,700.00, was placed in the church, and
the old organ was sold to the Rev. J. M. Brown, of Woonsocket,
.for $340.00.
March 17, 1837, Bishop Griswold confirmed seventeen persons.
He confirmed a class of four persons the following year.
April 1, 1839, steps were taken to found a Parish Library.
15
On December 2l8t of this year a new bell, weighing 1950
pounds, was phiced in the tower, the old one having broken.
Either a strange fatality must have haunted the bells of this
church, or the good sextons must have displayed a singular ener-
gy' in the ringing of them.
Bishop Griswold confirmed seven persons in March, 1840.
December 21, the Rev. Mr. Hathaway preached a historical dis-
course for the last decade. The Convention Report this year
gives one hundred and fourteen communicants and one hundred
and seventy in the Sunday School.
In 1841, Bishop Griswold confirmed at his first visitation fit-
teen persons, and ten at his second visitation. The ladies this
year furnished new chandeliers for the church.
Bishop Griswold confirmed fifteen persons in 1842.
"On Sunday, January 1, 1843, the church was discovered to
be on fire in the northwest corner shortly after service in the
afternoon, but was soon extinguished. The loss, amounting to
about $190.00, was paid by the insurance company."
On the 17th of February, in this year, the Rector, Wardens,
and Vestry passed suitable resolutions upon the death of Bishop
Griswold, which occurred at Boston on the 15th instant. At the
request of the Wardens and Vestry the Rev. Mr. Hathaway
delivered a memorial sermon upon the death of the Bishop.
A vote of thanks was tendered to Mrs. Abigail Wheaton,
April 8, 1844, for the gift of a Bible and Prayer Book for the
church. These are the books still in use. Eight persons were
confirmed this year by Bishop Henshaw.
March 24, 1845, it was voted to establish a Parochial School,,
and the Rector, Wardens and Vestry were authorized to carry the
resolution into effect. The committee appointed to secure a loca-
tion reported April 28th, that they had purchased the estate on.
16
the south-east corner of Broad and Lyndon streets. Rules and
regulations were adopted for the management of the school. A
subsequent report stated that the school had been established and
Mr. Henry N. Pierce (now Bishop of Arkansas) had been
appointed principal. There was an average attendance of about
fifty scholars.
Six persons were confirmed this year by Bishop Henshaw.
The Rector reports 150 communicants. The number in the Sun-
day school is not given in the Convention returns for this year ;
but in 1843 the number given is 142, and 117 for 1847.
During the summer the church was painted and frescoed.
At a meeting of the corporation held April 5, 1847, Mr. Charles
W. Wooster was appointed principal of the parish school, Mr.
Peirce having resigned. The committee reported the school in a
flourishing condition, with an average attendance of about sixty
scholars. April 24, 1848, the same committee expressed their
approbation of the management of the school and reported that
about one hundred scholars had been in attendance during the
year past, with an average attendance of about sixty. A similar
report was made in 1849.
Six persons were confirmed by Bishop Henshaw in 1848 and
three in 1849.
The Convention Report for 1850 gives one hundred and twenty
seven communicants and one hundred and sixteen in the Sunday
school.
On the 21st of April, 1851, the Rev. Mr. Hathaway sent in
his resignation as Rector, to take e£fect on the first of July, ensu-
ing. April 28th, the resignation was accepted and a committee
appointed to " engage a successor."
May 25th Bishop Henshaw confirmed a class of fourteen persons.
At a special meeting held June 26th, a series of resolutions
17
were passed expressive of the feelings of the Church in conse-
quence of the resignation of the Rector. Mr. Hathaway after-
wards became Rector of Christ Church, Lonsdale, in this Diocese.
We all, I am sure, desire to linger a moment at this point over
the fragrant memory of him, who for more than twenty* one years
ministered here in the things of God ; and, for the handful of
souls with whom he began his Rectorship, left a strong and sub-
stantial parish. When he entered upon his work in this vicinity
he came to a community quite unfamiliar with the tenets and
methods of the Church of which we are members, and where only
the most untiring labor and devotion mingled with the largest
wisdom could bring the success of growth. He brought to his
work the loving spirit of a true missionary zeal, which was not
then so matked a feature of the Church as it is to-day. Here he
labored on for more than a score of years, seeing the youth before
him maturing into manhood and womanhood and taking their
places as workers in the Church. It was most fitting that he
should finally rest in a community with whose interests of every
sort he was so long identified. His remains were at first interred
at Dighton^ Mass., but were several years since removed to this
place, and now rest in the South Cemetery, in accordance with
his oft-repeated wish. The burial lot was donated by the Masonic
body of this town, of which he was so long an honored member.
An appropriate monument has been placed upon the lot by his
many friends both here and elsewhere, who thus delight to testify
to their deep regard for the memory of one whose sympathies and
interest extended to all with whom he came in contact, both
within and beyond the limits of his own field of labor. His most
significant monument is his work and the high place he holds in
the enduring esteem of those who still feel the effect of his infiu-
ence, and gladly do honor to his character and memory. From
8
18
more than one in tbis community have I heard of his tender
regard for childhood ; his words of cheer and welcome to the
lonely mariner just landed on these shores from the wild sea, and
bidden to make the Church a place of soothing rest ; his quick
sympathy with both the joys and griefs of those to whom he min-
istered, as well as his rare power to throw the light and cheer of
Christian consolation upon the dark shadows of desolated homes.
Whatever success has marked the labors of those who have fol-
lowed him, in this hour of congratulation we cannot but hold in
most grateful remembrance him^ who, as a man of wise methods
won a place for the Church in the confidence of this community ;
as a Christian pastor, knit to him the hearts of those to whom he
ministered; and, as a faithful laborer, laid solid foundations on
which others might build. Mr. Hathaway left the parish with
about one hundred and forty communicants and about one hundred
and twenty in the Sunday-school.
It is a gratification to be able to announce that a suitable stained
window is ere long to be erected to his memory in this church,
where he loved so well to minister and with which he was so long
identified.
On the 30th of December, 1851, the Rev. John Kelley was
elected to succeed Mr. Hathaway in the Rectorship at a salary of
$800.00, and entered upon his duties the following Easter.
In the spring of 1852, the parish gladly accepted the offer of
the ladies to plant trees and a hedge on the church lot.
At a special meeting of the Wardens and Vestry, held July
30th of this year, appropriate resolutions were passed relative to
the death of Bishop Henshaw.
October 25th, it was voted that «l chapel be erected on the
church lot.
Six persons were confirmed in 1853 by Bishop Burgess, of
19
Maine. The Convention Report for the year states that $1,200.00
had been contributed towards the chapel and furniture.
On the 12th of April, 1855, action was taken looking towards
the founding of a Hector's Library. The committee appointed to
take action in the matter reported that $217.00 had been sub-
scribed and that one hundred and twenty-three volumes of stand*
ard works had been purchased. This library has been of great
value to the Rector, and those to whom was committed the duty
of purchasing the books showed excellent judgment in their
selection.
The Rector's salary was raised at this time to $1,000.00.
In May the Charter was amended by the General Assembly,
so as to authorize assessments for repairs and insurance on church
property.
September 27th, the Wardens and Vestry passed appropriate
resolutions relative to the death of Mr. John R. Wheaton, who
had served the parish in the capacity of Senior Warden for the
long term of twenty^three years. Mr. Wheaton was the second
Senior Warden, and, by his wisdom in affairs as well as his loyal
spirit of devotion to the best interests of the parish, proved him-
self a most valuable officer in the church, as he was a trusted and
respected citizen in the community.
The first assessment on the pews of one per cent, was ordered
on the 19th of November.
The Report for this year gives eight confirmations by Bishop
, one hundred and thirty-five communicants, and one hun-
dred and fourteen in the Sunday-school.
Mr. Haile Collins was elected Senior Warden, March 26, 1856^
and Mr. George Lewis Cooke, Junior Wai*den. Mr. Cooke was
the second Junior Warden, succeeding Mr. George Monroe, who
had held the office for twenty-eight consecutive years. Mr. Mon-
\ 20
roe afterwards served one year more in the same capacity, mak-
ing a total service of twenty-nine years. An officer at all times
so zealous and efficient, dating his term of service from the very
beginning of the parish when he himself was the only communi-
cant in town, deserves at our hands a grateful appreciation of his
untiring devotion to the best interests of the church as well as his
humble and upright course as a Christian disciple*
On the 19th of May in this year Mr. Daniel L. Turner was
elected Secretary. At the same meeting the resignation of the
Eev. Mr. Kelley, to take effect September 30th, was received and
accepted.
August 17th, an invitation to the Eectorship was extended to
the Rev. Mr. Burroughs, of Boston, who declined. The Eev.
William H. Mills was elected October 26th, but he also declined.
The Rev. Eaton W. Maxcy was next called to the Rectorship,
which position he accepted, and entered upon his duties January
1, 1857.
At a Corporation meeting held April 13, 1857, the Rector's
salary was fixed at $900.00. At the same time the offer of the
ladies to put a new fence in front of the church was accepted.
The Committee on the Rector's Library reported additions, mak-
ing the whole number of volumes two hundred. Other useful
works have since been added from time to time.
May 9, 1858, Bishop Clark confirmed thirty-eight persons.
With the one exception which occurred during Mr. Hathaway's
Rectorship, this is the largest number of confirmations in any
one Conventional year. Four persons were confirmed in October.
One person was confirmed in 1859 and two in 1860. The
Report for 1860 gives one hundred and twenty-nine communicants,
and ninety-five in the Sunday-school.
February 19, 1861, the Rev. Mr. Maxcy, handed in his resig-
21
natiou, to take effect at Easter. In the April following, the Rev.
Mark Antony DeWolf Howe, D. D., of Philadelphia, (the present
Bishop of Central Pennsylvania), was invited to the Rectorship,
but declined.
At this time an assessment on the pews was ordered. In May,
two persons were confirmed.
August 4th, the Rev. A. B. Flanders was invited to the Rector-
ship, but declined. The Rev. John Milton Peck was then invited
to take temporary charge of the parish, and in September he was
asked to assume the position of Rector till Easter, 1862, at a
salary of $700.00 per annum, which invitation was accepted.
The following spring Mr. Peck accepted an invitation to continue
in the Rectorship.
At a meeting of the Corporation, held April 21, 1862, an
assessment upon the pews was authorized. At the same time a
communication was received stating that a lot had been purchased
by subscription, to which it was proposed to remove the chapel.
This is the lot on which the chapel now stands.
One person was confirmed by Bishop Clark at his visitation in
May. The ladies at this time presented to the church an elegant
silk gown.
On February 14, 1863, the Rector, Wardens and Vestry passed
suitable resolutions upon the decease of Mr. Haile Collins, who
had served with much eflScie^cy and acceptance as Senior Warden
for seven years. April 13th, Mr. George Wheaton was elected
Senior Warden, and Mr. George Monroe, Junior Warden. April
20th, the Corporation accepted the resignation of the Rev. Mr.
Peck, to take effect on the third Sunday in July. The removal
of the chapel to the new lot was at the same time authorized
upon the receipt of a deed of the lot to the Corporation. A
thorough repair of both church and chapel was also ordered and
22
an assessment voted to meet the expense. In the June following
it was voted to limit the assessment to 25 per cent. On October
5th, the Rev. Simon Greenleaf Fuller, of Connecticut, was invited
to the Rectorship, but declined. November 12th, the Rev. Wil-
liam C. Mills was elected Rector at a salary of $1,000.00. He
took charge of the parish on the first Sunday in the January
following.
During the year the ladies purchased gas-fixtures for the church.
One person was confirmed by Bishop Clark.
January 12, 1864, an assessment was ordered to supply a defi-
ciency in the previous assessments, but this vote was rescinded
February 2ud. March 28th, George Lewis Cooke was elected
Senior Warden, and William H. Turner, Junior Warden.
Eight persons were confirmed this year.
On the 17th of April, 1865, appropriate resolutions were
passed by the Corporation on the occasion of the assassination of
President Lincoln.
In May two persons were confirmed.
A communication was received from the Rector August 7th,
presenting to the Corporation in behalf of the donors the house
and lot on Washington street, which had been purchased of the
heirs of the late Martin L. Salisbury for the sum of $3,500.00,
The gift was gratefully accepted, and it was ordered that the com-
munication be entered upon the records together, with the names
of the donors. It was also voted that the Rectory bo held for
the use of the Rector for the time being, and that $100.00 be
fixed as the rental, for the purpose of keeping it insured and in
proper repair. The thanks of the corporation were tendered to
the Rev. Mr. Mills for his action in securing the house.
The report this year gives one hundred and four communicants
and one hundred and eighteen in the Sunday-school.
23
In April, 1866, Miss Harriet H. Gaudelet generously presented
to the corporation the sum of $45.00 (the amount subscribed and
tendered to her for her services as organist) , to be applied to the
Rectory account. Eesolutions of thanks were passed for this gift.
Five persons were confirmed in May. On the 15th of October,
the resignation of the Eev. Mr. Mills, to take effect November
16th, was accepted.
January 28, 1867, the Rev. Leander C. Manchester, of Provi-
dence, was invited to the Rectorship at a salary of 11,000.00, and
accepted the position. April 2d, a vote of thanks was tendered
to the widow of the late Rev. Mr. Hathaway for the surplice
worn by her late husband, and which she had presented in token
of her regard for St. Mark's Church. April 21st, seventeen per-
sons were confirmed by Bishop Randall, and in May three were
confirmed by Bishop Clark. About this time the late Lewis E.
Simonds, captain in the United States Navy, presented his pew,
No. 68, to the church.
A vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. John R. Wheaton on
the 9th of May, 1868, for his gift of two beautiful and appropriate
walnut alms-basins. July 13th, a vote of thanks was tendered to
the widow of the late Rev, Mr. Hathaway, for the gift of the
private records kept by her late husband as Rector of St. Mark's
Church. These records were kept in the most careful manner
and contain much valuable information relative to the early his-
tory of the parish and some of the families that took an active
part in its organization. The walnut pulpit, now standing in the
church, was at this time presented to the parish through the
efibrts of some of the ladies. On the 13th of December, the
Wardens and Vestry passed a vote of thanks for the present
chancel window, which was nearly ready for presentation, and
which had been purchased by the subscriptions of a few parish-
24
loners. The report for this year curiously gives one hundred and
twenty-four communicants and one hundred and twenty-four in
the Sunday-school.
In January, 1869, walnut panelling was placed in the chancel,
having been purchased with money donated by a number of per-
sons for that purpose. The records for the year show five con-
firmations, one hundred and thirty-three communicants, and one
hundred and thirty-one in the Sunday-school.
In August, 1870, it was voted to build an iron fence on the
north and south sides of the church lot ; also to make repairs and
paint the church. Towards the close of the year an assessment
of eighteen per cent, was ordered to meet the cost of the above
named repairs.
Appropriate resolutions were passed August 25th, relative to
the death of Mr. William H. Turner, who had served as Junior
Warden seven years, and who, by his upright Christian course
had won the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. His
death was a serious loss to the parish.
The report for the year gives five confirmations, one hundred
and thirty-four communicants, and one hundred and nineteen in
the Sunday-school.
On the 10th of April, 1871, Mr. Luther Cole was elected
Junior Warden, and the Rector's salary was raised to $1,200.00.
April 16th, the Wardens and Vestry passed suitable resolu-
tions upon the decease of their associate, Mr. George Monroe,
first Junior Warden of the parish. As before mentioned, he was
the only communicant of the church in Warren at the time St.
Mark's parish was organized.
October 30th, the corporation authorized the purchase of the
premises in the rear of the Rectory, formerly occupied by the
late Mr. George H. Rounds. This property had been secured by
25
certain 'persons:for the bene&t of the ohurcb, and the amount -of
purchase money was to be raised by; subscription.- This purchase ^
added very materially to the beauty and convenience of the Rec-^
tory grounds.
There are: Reported thia year ^hreefOonfirtnatioHS) one bandi!ed>
and thirty-four communicants^ icndone htnidired aiid tivelVedn the;
Sunday-^scbooL . . <
The report for 1872 gives three confirmations^ one hundred and
twenty-eight communicants, and one hundred and ^ght in the
Sunday^^chooLu ? . .
At a meeting of the Corporation held August 4tfa, 1S73, :the
resignation of the Rev. Mr- Manchester y*:to take effect September ^
30th, was accepted. At the same time it was voted to repair and;
enlarge the organ ^' The salary of the Rector .was fixed -^t
$1,100.00. The vote taken atthetrme the Reotery^ was purchased «.
requiring an annual rental: of $100,00 ftx)m:.thB Rector^ ton the:
use ofv the house, Was ^rescinded*' Thii» change^ by which *4be
Rector was no longer to pa}! rent,rleft the salary praeMeally where i
it was in 1871^ September 23d, four.persona were confirmed* .i.
The present incumbent' ii^a elected to the ^Reotorsfai^ October.
6th,^and^entered upou^ hu duties^ on^the 14ib of:JDi9ceraher fol-.
lowing;
An HSsesstBent &t ienpen ce»^. was orxlered to'tneet the coet,a£
the above v«amed repairs. '..During. the interregnum in^tbe 'Recrt
torship the Rectory was put in thorough repair at a coat of about
$300.00. .
This year them r were reported ^-one bundred and . twienty^W0'
communicants and one hundred and sixdn thetSiimdayHBchool*^.. . :.
June 15^ 1874^ peronb^on waa granted ! to ^Mrs^ Abbots wi<iow
of the late Waiter Abbot, Lieutenant QG^nmaader iai^ithQ United^
States Navy, to place a stained window in the church in .memor jr.;
4
26
of her late husband. At a subsequent meeting a vote of thanks
vras tendered to Mrs. Abbot for the rich and beautiful gift. There
can scarcely be found a more suitable method than this of mani-
festing devotion to, the memory of friends departed ; and it is to
be hoped that the good example thus set before us in this first
memorial of the kind in this church will be followed, till all the
available spaces shall speak to us of those beloved and faithful
ones who have passed on before us from this militant sphere to
the larger add brighter world.
July 6th, Mr. George H. Brown was elected Junior Warden
by the Vestry duly empowered. The annual report for the year
gives six confirmations, one hundred and thirty-one communicants
and one hundred and thirty in the Sunday-school.
Permission was granted, March 29, 1875, to place a memorial
window in the church to the late Rt. Bev. George M. Randall,
D. D., Bishop of Colorado. April 28th, appropriate resolutions
were passed by the Wardens and Vestry on the occasion of the
decease of Mr. George H. Brown, Junior Warden, who for many
years of earnest and devoted service had signally exemplified the
character of the faithful Christian layman. One, whose thoughts
were so constantly given to the well-being of the Church, could
not be stricken from our ranks without leaving with us all the
keenest sense of the loss sustained, even though the integrity
and devotion of the life long continue to hold a large place in our
grateful thoughts.
On the 12th of July, Mr. Alfred B. Gardner was elected
Junior Warden. September 27th, the thorough painting and
frescoing of the church interior was ordered.
There are reported this year seven confirmations, one hundred
and thirty-eight communicants, and one hundred and forty-one in
the Sunday-school.
27
The committee on painting the church made a report January
3, 1876, showing a subscription amounting to $836.95 and an
expenditure of $776.53. A vote of thanks was tendered to them
for their valuable services in superintending the work of decora-
tion ; also to Miss Patience Cole for her very marked success in
obtaining subscriptions ; and to the ladies of the Parish League
for a beautiful carpet presented by them to the church.
The beautiful and tasteful changes and decorations made at that
time left the church edifice in the very cheerful and attractive
condition in which we now find it. April 23d, a vote of thanks
was tendered to Mrs. Walter Abbob for her Easter gift of a rich
and beautiful white altar cloth. At the same time a vote was
taken expressive of the thanks of the Corporation to the donors
and those persons who had been instrumental in procuring the
very appropriate memorial window to the late Bishop Kandall,
which was placed in the church just previous to the Easter festi-
val. The martial spirit typified in the central figure of this win-
dow is a fittin<? emblem of that dauntless couras^e which stood in
awe of no danger and no privation in the path of duty ; while the
gentle Shepherd is a touching reminder of that tender sensibility
towards the Master's little ones, which was always a leading
feature in his noble character. And not to-day alone, but also
ever in the future,, as we note the purpose of this memorial, may
it preach to us of the unswerving purpose, the tireless energy
blended with the most sensitive sympathy in every loftiest charac-
ter, and which adorn the life of the humblest Christian no less
than the more conspicuous career of the chief Pastor in the
Church of God^ We may well rejoice that one, whom not only
we, but the Church delights to honor, shall thus speak to us
through the coming years from these walls of Christian chivalry
and unflagging toils in the Master's service.
28
. There are reported this year one hundred and tfairtjr-scven coqi-
miinicants and one hundred and thirty-nine in the Sunday-school.
;. On the 2d of July, 1877^ an usaessment wa9 ordered to defray
the expeuBe of needed repairs. August 19tb, peromsion was
given to Mias Mary P. Carr to phice a atained window inr the
ehurcbi in memory of Mrs. Hannah Gibbs and Mrs. Ruth B.
DeWolf. This window^ which was completed and put in place a
few ^months ago, eontributes very greatly to the ornamentation of
the church interior, and,, as well in the peculiar fitness of the
Scripture scenes, portrayed^, as in the exquisite beauty of the
workmanship^ is a. most suitable. expression of those Christian
eharact»r8 in whose memory itihas been erected.
On the 10th ot* September, permission was given to the ladies
of the Fiarish' League to place in the chancel a memorial window
in honor of the first Rector, the Rev. George W. Hathaway.
This vote interposed the condition that the ladies should remove
the present chaneel window to someone of the vacant spaces in
the churchy enlarge it, and cause it to conform to the general plan
af the other memorial windows.
Thirteen persons were thisi year confirmed by the Rt. Rev.
Bishop Niles, of New Hampslure. The report gives one hun-
dred aaad foA'tgrr-nine communicants and one hundred and fifty in
the Sunday-school .
. March 3d, 1878v four persona wei*e confirmed by the Bishop of
the Diocese, iind June Ith^ .seventeen persons, making twenty-one
confirmations for the last Conventional year. The number of
communicants nowion the ll^t is one hundred and sixty-four, the
largest cnumber since the organization of the parish- The Sunday-
school numbers also one hundred and sixty-four, the hirgest num*
ber^ according to the. records, since the formation of the parish,
with the one exception of 1840, when the report to Convention
gives one hundred and seventy.
H
^
29
In a community like our own, however, figures do not tell the
full story of parish growth. Very many are reared among us
who would otherwise swell our ranks, but go from our midst at
an early day to the cities or the broad West. And hence, though
the records show but meagre gain at home, the actual influence
exerted by such a parish is felt in various quarters of the Church
at large. We might show a prouder record to-night, could we
have with us now all those who have grown among us into the
estate of a Christian manhood and womanhood and form still a
part of the Lord's militant Church on earth. But in the law of
m
the Divine economy every member ministers to the strength of
the whole body, and what is our local loss is the gain of the
Church in other quarters.
We must not forget that written records by no means show us
all that has been done for the well-being of the parish, either in
gifts or work. Among the many gifts of which no note has been
made in the foregoing recital, we may mention the marble foni^
donated many years ago by the ladies of the parish, and now
standing in the chapel ; a black walnut lectern^ the gift of the lato
Mr. George H.Brown; the chancel rail y purchased by several
members of the church ; two rich silver alms basins for the Com-
munion Service, the gift of Mr. George Lewis Cooke; a' set of
crimson booh-ma.rkSy presented by Mrs. Daniel L. Turner luid
Miss Susan Mason ; a set of white 6ooAr-marA;^, from Ws. J. O.
Waterman and Miss Susan Mason; a rich crimson altar clothe
presented by Mrs. Homer E. Sargent, of Chicago, a former
communicant of this parish. The Rector also gratefully rejoices
to-day to celebrate this anniversary in a fresh, new surplice^
secured through the generous labors and influence of some of
the ladies of the parish. Very liberal donations in money have
been made from time to time towards beautifying^ the church, and
30
more especially for decorating the chancel. Prominent among
the donors, and worthy of special mention for his great liberal-
ity, is Mr. Henry J. Steere. This gentleman also secured to the
church the chaste and elegant font now before us, by his liberal
subscription to the fund raised by the Sunday-school for that
purpose. His munificence and keen interest in the well-being of
the parish deserve and receive a most grateful recognition at our
hands.
It may be proper to mention here that the Charter of the Cor-
poration authorizes no taxation upon the pews for any purposes
except insurance and repairs, so that whatever has been added to
enhance the beauty or convenience of the church property, has
been secured by voluntary contributions. The entire expense
incurred for the salaries of the Rector, sexton and organist has
always been met by voluntary subscriptions and offerings in the
church. The promptness, therefore, with which provision is
made to meet these necessities, becomes an index of the generosity
of the congregation and of their conscientious devotion to the
interests of the Church. It gives me great pleasure to put on
record here the cheering fact that St. Mark's Parish enjoys a very
enviable reputation in this regard, which we feel confident she
will ever maintain.
I should be ungracious as well as derelict in duty did I neglect
to invite your attention to the very important aid rendered in
every good work by the ladies of the parish from its very incep-
tion to the present day. . The Ladies' Sewing Society, dating its
organization from almost the beginning of the parish, and still as
formerly making a most liberal annual contribution towards the
Mission work of the Diocese ; the Brotherhood, performing a sim-
ilar office in behalf of the Foreign and Domestic Mission fields;
the Parish League, established for local and general charitable
31
and Church work ; all are important factors among the working
forces of the parish, and could ill be spared, so long as we desire
true prosperity at home, and have a generous regard for the needs
of the Church at large. There are many marks of their labor right
around us, and the requirements of the Master's work in the great
field of the world have always awakened the deep interest of
many zealous Christian women in this congregation. The ladies
of the parish have always been prominent and earnest in devising
and executing plans for the beautifying and the proper care of the
church edifice, thus rendering it more in harmony with the dignity
of the solemn offices in which we here engage. St. Mark's con-
«
gregation have always responded cheerfully and liberally, in pro-
portion to their means, to appeals for offerings in aid of the dif-
ferent branches of the Church's work.
The Committee of the Vestry have kindly furnished me with a
list of the officers of this parish since its organization, together
with some other interesting facts, which I will now present.
There have been Jive Senior Wardens, as follows :
George Pearse, from 1828 to 1832, 4 years.
John E. Wheaton, " 1832 •' 1855, 23J '*
Haile Collins, *« 1856 «« 1863, 7
George Wheaton, ** 1863 *« 1864, 1 *«
George Lewis Cooke, ** 1864, present incumbent, 14J **
There have been six Junior Wardens, as follows :
George Munro, from 1828 to 1856, 28 years.
George Munro,
George Lewis Cooke,
William H. Turner, Sr.,
Luther Cole, Jr.,
George H. Brow)i,
Alfred B. Gardner, *< 1875, present incumbent, 3
1863 " 1864,
1
1856 " 1883,
7
1864 " 1871,
7
1871 " 1874,
3
1874 " 1875,
1
32
There have been three Secretaries or Parish Clerks, as follows :
Charles Wheaton, from 1828 to 1856, 28 years.
George Lewis Cooke, ** 1856, part of year, \
Daniel L. Turner, ^* 1856, present incumbent, 21 J
There have been seven Treasurers, as follows :
William Carr,
from 1828 to 1835,
7
years.
Seth Peck,
i«
1835 " 1836,
•
1
<<
George Wheaton,
4<
^ 1836 " 1849,
-
1^
((
Johii Troop Child,
. i<
1849 " 1860,
11
((
John Troop Child,
a
1863 *« l»66i
3
<(
George Lewis Cooke,
((
1860 " 1863,
3
(<
Daniel L. Turner;
a
1866 " 1875,
9
((
Lawton I. Ware,
<(
1875, present ii
aciimbentt
. 3
»t
The number of Yostrymeu \&' fifty ^ as follows :
Freeborn Slsson,
from
1828 to 1843, inclusive.
16
years.
William Carr,
((
1828 «« 1845,
((
18
(C
William Collins,
<(
1828 " 1836,
a
9
«<
John Stockford,
^* ■
1828 *' 1832,
(«
5
i(
Nathaniel Phillips
.«(
1828** 1832,
((
5
t(
William Turner,
((
1828 ** 1843,
a
16
<i
Seth Peck,
((
1828 «* 1854,
a
27
<l ..
John Pearce,
a
1828 ** 1843,
i(
16
((
Amasa Humphreys,
(i
1828 ** 1829,
(i
2
((
Amasa Humphreys,
1832,
\
1
it
Charles Wheaton,
a
1828 ** 1855,
((
28
- «
John R. Wheaton,
it
1828 « 1831,
«(
4
<<
John Trott,
<c
1830 ** 1836,
««'
7
((
George Wheaton,
u
1830 ** 1855,
((
26
<(
George Wheaton,
1862,
1
«
\
\
33
George Wheatou, from
1864 to 1878, inclusive,
15 years.
George Pearse,
a
1832 •« 1835,
ti
4 «
Benjamin Eddy,
1832,
Benjamin Eddy,
((
1837 •« 1845,
((
Suchet Mauran,
1832,
Suchet Mauran,
((
1837 " 1851,
((
15
Barnard Smith,
1832,
Paschal Allen,
1832,
James Coffin,
1832,
^■^
James Coffin,
(C
1842 " 1854,
((
13 •
Miller Barney,
1832,
Samuel Barton,
1832,
*
Samuel Blake,
1832,
JL
William Slade,
1832,
J *
Benjamin Bosworth,
1832,
■
Nathan M. Wheaton,
1832,
•
Hail Collins,
1832,
JL
Hail Collins,
(i
1837 " 1855,
((
19 '
Allen Hoar,
(<
1836 « 1837,
iC
2 '
John Troop Child,
1832,
'
1 ♦
John Troop Child,
((
- 1836 '« 1859,
ii
24 «
John Troop Child,
((
1863 " 1865,
<(
3 '
Sterry Martin,
4(
1837 '• 1855,
a
19 «
George G. Hazard,
it
1841 •' 1854,
((
14 «
George G. Hazard,
a
I860 " 1861,
((
2
Luther Cole, 2d,
«(
1844 " 1855,
(<
12 «
John Pearce, Jr.,
a
1844 •' 1854,
((
11
William H. Turner, Sr.
9
1844 " 1854,
iC
11
William H. Turner, Sr.
1856 " 1863, .
i€
8 '
Janies Gardner,
((
1844 " 1862,
il
19 ♦
James Gardner,
5
1864,
1 «
34
George W. Carr,
Charles T. Child,
Charles T. Child,
George Lewis Cooke,
Allen M. Brown,
Daniel L.. Turner,
George Munro,
<<
((
from 1846 to 1855, inclusive,
1851 " 1862,
1864,
1855,
1863,
1864,
1865 " 1870,
44
4(
Elbridge G. Wheaton, ** 1865 '* 1867,
Williami Haile>
Luther Cole, Jr, ,
Luther Cole, Jr.,
George H. Brown,
Henry W. Eddy,
Alfred B. Gardner,
Lawton I. Ware,
44
(4
" 1866,
" 1867 " 1870,
1874,
1868 " 1873,
1869,
" 1871 «* 1875,
" 1871,
i4
4C
4(
44
44
William H.Turner, Jr., " 1872 " 1875,
John Waterman, " 1876,
Charles H. Handy, " 1876,
There have been seven Rectors, as follows :
t<
10 years
12 "
1
1
1
15
6
3
13
4
5
6
10
5
8
4
3
3
44
CC
ii
4(
^i
n
((
(4
it
4(
The Eev. Geerge W. Hathaway, from 1830 to 1851, 21 years.
4(
44
4(
4«
44
(4
John Kelley, *» 1852 '
Eaton W.Maxcy, Jr., *« 1857*
John Milton Peck, " 1861 '
William C. Mills, •« 1864 '
Leander C. Manchester, '* 1867 <
William N. Ackley,
' 1856,
4|
' 1861,
H
« 1863,
2
' 1866,
3
' 1873,
6|
*• 1873, present incumbent,
5 years.
The Rev. John Bristed, Rector af St. MichaePs Church, Bris-
tol, officiated once on every Sunday for 18 months in 1828, 1829
and 1830.
35
The following persons from St. Mark's Church have entered the
Ministry, viz. :
The Rev. Charles E. Bennett.
** ** James Mulchahey, D. D.
'' '' J. M. Clayton Eddy.
** Rt. Rev. George M. Randall, D. D., late missionaiy Bishop
of Colorado.
The Rev. John Milton Peck.
'' ** William H. Collins.
'< ** Waher H. Moore,
'' *< Charles R. Talbot.
Charles E. Moore, A. B., is a candidate for Holy Orders.
The total number of Baptisms is 534.
** " ** «« Confirmations is 385.
'* «* " *< Communicants is 489.
«« ** *« ** Marriages is 202.
** ** ** " Burials is 665.
Not a few of the above named officers have become veterans in
their respective positions. Mr. Charles Wheaton served as Par-
ish Clerk for the long period of twenty-eight years. Mr. Daniel
L. Turner, the present incumbent in that position, has served
twenty-one years. Mr. Haile Collins acted as Vestryman twenty
years, and as Senior Warden seven years. Mr. James Gardner
held the office of Vestryman twenty years^ Mr. John Troop
Child served on the Vestry twenty-eight years, and as Treasurer
for fourteen years, rendering most efficient service in either
capacity.
The one who has held a single office for the longest time in the
history of the parish is still present to celebrate this anniversary
with us. Mr. George Wheaton has held the position of Vestry-
1
36
man for the remarkable period of joriyAwo years. May the hour
be fi»Iow to approach when we shall no longer be able to count him
among our numbers ; and may a loving Providence soften the
touch of time upon him, that he may long be preserved to share
in the deliberations of thobo who legislate in the interests of the
parish and to fill the accustomed place to which we shall ever and
gladly welcome him in the house of God.
There are doubtless multitudes of other events well worthy to
have their story narrated here to-night, many names fresh enough
always in your memories and deserving of honor at our hands.
If in this poor and imperfect rehearsal, I shall seem to have with- j
held honor from those to whom it would be accorded in your
hearts, I must beg you to believe that my error is one of ignorance,
and is not due to any grudging desire to forget any one of the
scores of faithful Christian disciples, whose influence is alive
among us at this moment. I fain would speak out of a larger
knowledge, not of the written records only, but much more of
those lives which have adorned the history of this parish in years
agone.
In this hasty survey we have traversed the written and tradi-
tional history that covers fifty years of parish life, and find our-
selves rejoicing in the glad facts of the present hour. We seem
now to be contrasting what we are to-day with what was the
beginning fifty years ago. And the vision takes us back into a
closer relation with the fathers, who, by a venture of faith, initi-
ated the holy work. O, how much of any parish record is far
away, beyond the reach of any preacher who would declare the
story of fifty years I You, who sadly look in vain for beloved
forms once so frequent and familiar here, no more to worship with
us in temples made with hands, can trace a deeper story than
tthese records of the books or tongue can tell. And yet you can-
37
not tell the whole. Who shall speak to us fitly of those myriads
of other facts — the hearts attuned more and more to the spirit of
Christ by the hallowing influences of this sacred place; the
bereaved and stricken souls cheered by some glad word from the
" Old, Old Story," seeming a new Gospel in the moment of
bewildering grief; the weary wanderers gathered in to the restful
shelter of the Master's fold by the guiding hand of some loving
disciple; the souls uplifted, expanded, made nobler and braver
lor the stern warfare of life ; — who shall preach to us of these
things in their grandest fullness, till we too have followed our
fathers in that path leading upward towards the light, and, in the
realms of eternal glory, face to face with those true souls whose
memory we now xe\QiQ^ finish the story — the story, never before
told to the uttermost, of the parish work and the parish life ! We
have been reading to you to-night the records which man has
written with ink in a book ; the record written indelibly with the
finger of God upon undying souls must be reserved to glorify the
loftier and fuller jubilee of heaven.
The hour admonishes me that I must be content to leave these
enticing stories, these honored names, fresher in our thoughts for
this rehearsal, these memories that crowd together so thickly in
your minds, to preach the lesson of the occasion and leave their
sacred impress upon your hearts. And yet, in one word more, I
want to point back to the two-fold text with which we started out,
that we may see thrown side by side the Divine and the human
elements in the Church'slife. Verily do we look reverently and
trustfully to the great Master alone to cement together the body
into one compact unity and to bestow that refreshing strength
which enables it to increase " with the increase of God." But
none the less has the Church an identity preserved to it in the
human elements of which it is composed. ^^ He that planteth and
38
he that watereth are one." The law of the great Church of
Chri^^t touches every smallest parish. No branch is an isohited
thing. No individual can ever be the whole. Human forms van^
ish, but the Church and the parish abide and live. Their identity
is preserved. Those who have labored in the past and those who
are toiling to-day are merely joining forces to perpetuate the
identity of our parish, and so, of the great universal Church of t
God. Whether we plant the tree or furnish nutriment in its
maturer years, we aid its growth. In this fact we read our
preachment, the admonition to us of this glad hour. For swift
time will speedily bring to a close another half century ; and here^
or perchance in statelier temple, Christian men will gather, we
may trust, to rejoice over a completed century of parish life.
Shall they on that joyful day read our names with pride and over
them pronounce for us a beatitude, because our '* works do fol-
low" and live after us? Shall we seem to them in that distant
moment to have cherished the Body of Christ, to have carried for-
ward this holy work to the glory of the great God and the edifica-
tion of the Master's kingdom upon earth ? From this lofty vantage-
ground of vision, whence to-night we look off over the scenes of
a half century to gain a prouder conception of Christian devotiou
and loyalty, to breathe a wider atmosphere and to be uplifted
with a livelier inspiration, we are going to descend to-morrow to
the dead level of the uneventful life, the monotonous routine of
the every day. We can carry with us there, or we can leave
behind us, the blessed influence of this bright hour. We can let
the strains of our jubilant anthems to-night be lost to our spirits
almost before their echoes have died away upon the evening air ;
or we may suffer them, if we will, to go on in endless refrain
within our souls, rousing our powers to an energy of action more
worthy to honor the memory of those, whom, though unseen, we
.<
39
delight to cherish in our hearts. It is indeed, and most fitly too,
a moment of mutual rejoicing and congratulation. Let us not
begrudge the past its hiwful share in our proud remembrance.
But there is too a present and a future, both our own. Tlie
inspiration drawn from these sacred memories should carry us
onward by its very impetus into a new and braver courage.
Gratitude and action should ever go side by side. These mutual
rejoicings in which our hearts and voices so gladly join to-night
should culminate in high and grave resolves; and while the
thoughts are busy tracing proudly enticing records of the past,
should our quickened vision go out in eager search towards that
future full before us, there to find the field where lies our task,
the woik for our hands to do.
>h
A .
t ■,.''"
/• »
V : -. V
■-X